Oklahoma National Guard deploys to Washington, D.C. for inauguration

Nearly 400 members deployed from Will Rogers Air National Guard Base Sunday

Oklahoma National Guard Members of the Oklahoma National Guard deploy to Washington, D.C. to assist in the presidential inauguration. (137th Special Operations Wing Facebook) (Senior Master Sgt. Andrew M. LaMoreaux/U.S. Air National Guard photo by)

By Skyler Cooper

The Oklahoma National Guard will have a role in the 59th presidential inauguration Wednesday.

Nearly 400 Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen are in Washington, D.C. to provide a full-spectrum of support including security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics, and safety.

The mission is expected to last 7 to 10 days.

The Oklahoma National Guard said Airmen from Will Rogers Air National Guard Base helped process the 400 Oklahoma Army and Air National Guardsmen by conducting rapid COVID-19 tests and administering COVID-19 vaccines.

“When people see the National Guard, they know we are there to help,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “The men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard who will be supporting the inauguration are the same Guardsmen who have been there time and time again for Oklahoma communities.”